https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 13 May 2026 01:11:54 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/califronia-budget-travel-suggestions#post-109702 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 18:39:08 +0000 regberadaisy 109702@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@joyjoy:<br /> Thanks! I'll definitely check into rates for San Jose as well. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/califronia-budget-travel-suggestions#post-109632 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:43:37 +0000 joyjoy 109632@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree with the others in that it might be a little much to have LA in there for such a short trip, especially if you know you're going to be around Pebble for a couple days. </p> <p>I also second the suggestion for checking out the rates to SJC instead of SFO. Sometimes they're cheaper. Since it's in between SF and Monterey, you can either start off by driving down to Monterey then going back up to SF and Napa, or you can reverse it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/califronia-budget-travel-suggestions#post-109566 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:29:07 +0000 birdieputt 109566@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@regberadaisy: well, if it's on his bucket list, then start saving! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/califronia-budget-travel-suggestions#post-109555 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:24:30 +0000 regberadaisy 109555@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@birdieputt:<br /> oh, I'm not worried about that. He's not the type to get pissed off if he doesn't do well. He enjoys it for the experience. He played a link course in Ireland that was on the coast and actually did pretty good! So he's fine with being freezing and misted on for 18. :) The only reason I would do the trip IS because of Pebble Beach for him. It's on his golfing bucket list.<br /> I sign up for their Special Offers email and there are decent golf &amp; stay packages for the month of October. Still $$$$ definitely! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/califronia-budget-travel-suggestions#post-109550 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:18:48 +0000 birdieputt 109550@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@regberadaisy: EXACTLY. and unless your husband is a scratch golfer (or better yet - Tiger Woods!), he probably won't enjoy his round because the golf links are so so so tough. trust me, if you're not scoring well, you won't enjoy the golf no matter how beautiful the ocean view is. :) plus the weather is often unpredictable there so there's a good chance that it will rain or be very foggy when you guys are there.</p> <p>so... pebble isn't really an option for a "budget" trip to California. but you can still stay nearby and enjoy the beautiful scenery in monterey and do the 17-mile drive and visit the aquarium and go on a whale watching tour (if it's the right season for it). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/califronia-budget-travel-suggestions#post-109531 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:03:37 +0000 regberadaisy 109531@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@birdieputt:<br /> ohmylanta!!!<br /> I just found that teeny tiny link for Current Rates.</p> <p>YOWZER. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/califronia-budget-travel-suggestions#post-109522 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 14:55:38 +0000 birdieputt 109522@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>hmmm...i don't know if $3k will be enough for pebble. the two-night stay at the lodge or inn + $495 green fees + caddy + airfare + food + rental car alone could easily surpass your $3k budget. oh, and san jose airport is closer to pebble than SFO. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/califronia-budget-travel-suggestions#post-109517 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 14:50:11 +0000 regberadaisy 109517@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bluebonnet:<br /> Just did a quick Google search and was able to find a list of wineries that are toddler friendly including Mondavi which is one we would want to visit.</p> <p>Thanks for the suggestions re flying/renting cars at different locations. That's something I'll have to look into if we do it. I tend to look at pricing a year in advance that way when I'm ready to book I know to pounce on a good deal! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/califronia-budget-travel-suggestions#post-109501 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 14:40:58 +0000 owlmom 109501@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Renting a car in one location and dropping it off at a different location is usually pricey. Most rental car companies will charge you a fee per mile in addition to the daily rental rate if you pick up at one airport and drop off at another. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/califronia-budget-travel-suggestions#post-109498 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 14:39:30 +0000 regberadaisy 109498@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@HabesBabe:<br /> That's what I'm thinking too. If it were just my husband and I, no problem. But with a toddler I think it's too hectic.</p> <p>@Bluebonnet:<br /> I was just going to ask that. The wineries around here are fine with toddlers but not sure in Napa....<br /> Will def have to check on that! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/califronia-budget-travel-suggestions#post-109494 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 14:34:14 +0000 Bluebonnet 109494@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Napa is north of SF, Monterey is south of SF. </p> <p>If you are budget conscious, I'd fly in and out of the same airport. Its generally more expensive to fly into one airport and out of another airport. Not to mention is generally a lot more expensive to return a rental car at a different location than you rented it. </p> <p>The other thing to keep in mind - do you plan on visiting wineries with a toddler? You may want to check policies in advance. Many wineries in Napa do not allow children. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/califronia-budget-travel-suggestions#post-109493 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 14:32:54 +0000 HabesBabe 109493@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think LA is "doable" but it would be really tough with all of that flying/driving with a toddler.</p> <p>Priceline is a great option for good rates for hotels-- and I always get really good car rental deals through Hotwire. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/califronia-budget-travel-suggestions#post-109480 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 14:24:46 +0000 regberadaisy 109480@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks everyone!<br /> I think if we were to do the trip I might contact my friend and see if she's willing to meet us in Monterey. I do want to see her but on such a short trip with a toddler it might be a bit much. If it was just my husband and I then no problem! I also don't drive so I want to limit the driving my husband has to do on the trip.<br /> I know my husband has no desire to see LA whereas we both want to see Napa. And I want to see SF and I think he does as well.<br /> So the ideal itinerary for us would be SF, Monterey/Pebble Beach &amp; Napa.</p> <p>Where is Napa in relation to the other two? I wonder if it's feasible to fly into SF and out of Monterey to eliminate backtracking? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/califronia-budget-travel-suggestions#post-109469 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 14:17:43 +0000 chopsuey 109469@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@regberadaisy: If you really want to do LA, could you fly into LAX and fly out of SFO? Or San Jose?<br /> It's only a 6 hour drive from LA to the bay. You could fly into LAX, see your friend, drive up north the following AM. It might be a little hectic, but it's doable! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/califronia-budget-travel-suggestions#post-109445 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 14:05:03 +0000 Bluebonnet 109445@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would cut out LA - if you are only going to be in California for 7 days, especially if you know you're going to be at Pebble Beach for 2 nights and also want to go to Napa. I'd fly into SF, drive to Pebble Beach for a couple of nights, drive to SF and stay for a few days, then up to Napa for a few days, then back to SF to fly out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/califronia-budget-travel-suggestions#post-109370 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:32:32 +0000 Mrs. Bee 109370@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>oh and hotels in monterey are super expensive and often require 2-3 night minimums. even the crappy motel places are pricey!</p> <p>but monterey is just so lovely and relaxing. a wonderful place for a vacation! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/califronia-budget-travel-suggestions#post-109359 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:31:09 +0000 Mrs. Yoyo 109359@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would second @Mrs. Bee: cut LA if your heart is set on Napa and SF. All of that just would not be doable. Also, this will help you save on car rental because it is cheaper to pick up/drop off in the same place. Definitely check out Priceline and Hotwire for cars and hotels, but be aware that you're locked in when you book that way. </p> <p>I know staying at PB will be a small fortune ... otherwise I'm sure Papa Y would have crossed it off the list already. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/califronia-budget-travel-suggestions#post-109346 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:25:14 +0000 Mrs. Bee 109346@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>that is a huge itinerary. i think you have to cut out la because it's too far if you want to do sf and napa too. you can find some good deals for sf hotels on online hotel sites. last time i was able to find a hotel for $60 in union sq!</p> <p>napa is north, and monterey is south. i think in a week, sf + monterey is a good itinerary! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/califronia-budget-travel-suggestions#post-109326 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:15:46 +0000 chopsuey 109326@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Where are you flying from?<br /> I think if you can find cheap hotel and rental (priceline) and you don't mind staying in a lower star hotel it's totally doable.<br /> I know for over a week rentals you can find really good deals on cars. You can find hotels for under 100/day too that include free wifi and parking. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/califronia-budget-travel-suggestions#post-109293 Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:57:59 +0000 regberadaisy 109293@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm at the VERY beginning stages of deciding on whether or not to surprise my husband with a trip to Pebble Beach Golf Links, CA for his 35th birthday next October (2013) for ~7 days.</p> <p>I'm more or less in the stages now to see if it's financially feasible. We have a newborn arriving in a month. Bought a new house that we're gut renovating. So financially it's tight.</p> <p>Do you think I can do it for under $3K? Because realistically I think I can save ~$50/week from now till then.</p> <p>Ideally, flying into Monterey would be best because it's 20minutes from Pebble Beach but it's also the most expensive route. But if we're heading to CA I also want to see Napa Valley. I have a good college friend that lives in LA that I would love to visit. So flying into LA or San Fran is another option. Flying into LA would be the cheapest but it's also the furthest from Pebble Beach, about 6 hours. Whereas San Fran is only about 2 hours. I'd imagine we would rent a car while we're there. Flying into and out of a different airport would probably be the best time saving option.</p> <p>So anyway, Californians, what do you think is the best route/option to hit Pebble Beach, Napa Valley and possibly San Fran/LA in seven days?</p> <p>Does anyone know of any budget/toddler (18month) friendly lodging in those cities?<br /> In order to get advanced tee time booking privileges we will have to stay 2 nights at Pebble Beach golf course.</p> <p>I know I'm kinda all over the place but I would appreciate any good sites/blogs for budget travel within CA. Or just tips in general. </p> <p>Thanks! </p>